A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is slated to arrive in Harrison next Wednesday to examine all aspects of the police department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, according to an announcement from Police Chief Derek J. Kearns.

“Verification by the team that the Town of Harrison Police Department meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Kearns said.

As part of the assessment, employees and the public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team by telephone or email. The public can call (973) 268-2435 on Dec. 20, between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to mgreen@townofharrison.com.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Harrison Police Department, 318 Harrison Ave. Contact Captain Michael Green at (973) 483-4100 ext. 5121.

Those offering written comment can send them to New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

Harrison police must comply with 112 standards in order to achieve accredited status.

Kearns said “accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”

The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status,” Delgado said.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports on their continued compliance with the standards under which it was initially accredited.